Bolt release and ejector mechanism



Aug. 30, 1966 e. MITTELSTEADT 3,

BOLT RELEASE AND EJECTOfR MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 9, 1964 INVENTOR 6461 A. M/TrH-STW Aug. 30, 1966 s. L. MITTELSTEADT 3, 69,0

BOLT RELEASE AND EJECTOR MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 9, 1964 I INVENTOR. GAE/U A. 44/7754575407 United States Patent 3,269,044 BOLT RELEASE AND EJECTOR MECHANISM Glen L. Mittelsteadt, Waseca, Minm, assignor to Herters Inc., Waseca, Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Filed Nov. 9, 1964, Ser. No. 409,909 Claims. (Cl. 4225) This invention relates to firearms and more particularly to a bolt release mechanism for rifles.

An object of this invention is the provision in a rifle of a combination bolt release and ejective mechanism which releasably locks the bolt against disengagement from the bolt slide but which permits ready release of the bolt from the receiver through simple manipulation of a manually operable bolt release member.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a combination bolt release and ejector mechanism including a shiftably mounted retaining lug for releasably retaining the bolt of a rifie in the receiver, and having an ejector member carried by the retaining lug and being operable to eject spent casings from the receiver during retraction of the bolt.

A further object of this invention is the provision in a rifle of a combination bolt release and ejector mechanism of the class described wherein the means for actuating the movement of the retaining lug to a released position comprises a push button located on the receiver in a position to facilitate actuation of the push button as the bolt is retracted by an operator.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of one side of a Mausertype rifle receiver with the combination bolt release and ejector mechanism mounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the other side of the rifle receiver with the bolt illustrated in a retracted position -by dotted line configuration;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the combination bolt release and ejector mechanism taken approximately along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows but with the bolt approaching its rearward position as it is normally retracted to eject a spent casing from the receiver;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the bolt in its rearmost position within the retainer but locked against release therefrom by the cornbination bolt release and ejector mechanism, and illustrating the manner in which a spent casing is ejected;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the combination bolt release andejector mechanism in the release condition permitting the bolt to be removed from the receiver, and wherein the bolt is shown in its position just prior to re-insertion into the receiver;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of the bolt release and ejector mechanism illustrating the bolt just prior to its forward movement into interlocked relation within the receiver;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the combination bolt release and ejector mechanism removed from the rifle receiver;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 9 is. a side elevational view similar to FIG. 7 but showing the opposite side of the bolt release and ejector mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a framentary side elevational view of a portion of the receiver illustrating the opening in which the bolt release and ejector mechanism is. mounted; and

3,269,044 Patented August 30, 1966 FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the front end portion of the bolt illustrating the slot therein which receives the ejector member.

Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that a rifle receiver structure, designated generally by reference numeral 10 is there shown. This rifle receiver structure 10 is of the Mauser-type and includes a receiver 11 having a receiver ring 12 integrally formed with the front end thereof and a receiver bridge 13 integrally formed with the rear portion thereof. The interior of the receiver 11 defines a bolt slide 14 along which moves a bolt mechanism 15.

A trigger guard structure 17 is secured to the receiver structure 10 by means of a front guard screw 18 which passes through a sleeve 18a, the screw 18 threadedly engaging a threaded recess or tap formed in the receiver ring 12. A rear guard screw 19 passes through a sleeve 19a of the trigger guard structure and threadedly engages a threaded tap in the rear portion of the receiver structure. The trigger guard structure also includes a box-type magazine including a magazine well 20 which communicates at its upper end with the interior of the receiver 11 and which is closed at its lower end by floor plate 21, the latter being releasably held in place by a releasable locking mechanism 22. Although not shown in the drawing, the box-type magazine includes a magazine spring and magazine follower or platform disposed within the well and which constantly urges the rounds into position for loading in the breech.

The trigger guard structure further includes an annular trigger guard member 22 which surrounds the trigger element 23 of the trigger mechanism 24. The trigger mechanism 24 is that trigger mechanism which is conventional with the Mauser-type action and is mounted on the receiver structure 10. It is felt that a detailed description of this trigger mechanism is unnecessary for the instant application.

The bolt mechanism 15 includes the elongate bolt cylinder 25 having the characteristic Mauser-action features and which houses the firing pin or striker therein. The belt has the conventional bolt handle 26 which is movable from the position illustrated in dotted line configuration in FIG. 2 to the position illustrated in full line configuration in FIG. 2.

During this action, as is well known in the art, the bolt handle 26 serves to cam the bolt into the cocked position. The bolt cylinder 25 also has an elongate extractor 27 revolvably mounted thereon by means of an annular mounting band 28 which is positioned within an annular recess in the bolt cylinder adjacent the front end thereof. The extractor 27 is of conventional Mauserccnstruction including the extractor element or claw 29 aflixed to the front end thereof and a cam element 30 which is movable in a cam groove 31 located at the forward end of the bolt cylinder. It will be appreciated that the extractor 27 serves to extract the spent casing from the breech chamber during retraction of the bolt mechanism 15.

The bolt cylinder 25 also has the safety lug 32 thereon which is of elongate configuration as best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. It is also pointed out that another safety lug is also located at the rear portion of the bolt cylinder just forwardly of the bolt handle. A locking lug 33 is aflixed to the front end of a bolt cylinder 25 as best seen. in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 10 and a forwardly extending slot 34 is formed in the locking lug 33 and in the forward end portion of the bolt cylinder 25. The purpose of this slot, which will hereinafter be referred to as the extractorslot, will be described more fully hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 10 it will be seen that the left side of the receiver, as the rifle is held normally by an operator in a forwardly pointing direction, is provided with a generally rectangularly shaped opening or recess 35 therein which communicates with a forwardly extending slot 36. The opening 35 and the slot 36 communicate with the interior of the receiver and it will be noted that a rearwardly extending substantially straight groove 37 communicates at its forward end with the opening 35. The lower surface of the groove 37 is ramped downwardly or declined in a forwardly direction. The opening, slot and groove accommodate the combination bolt release and ejector mechanism 38, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6.

The bolt release and ejector mechanism 38 includes a substantially rectangular shaped bolt release body member 39 which is slightly larger than the opening 35 and which is positioned exteriorly of the receiver 11, as best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. The inner surface of the bolt release member 39 has a bolt retaining lug 40 integrally formed therewith which projects interiorly of the receiver 11. The retaining lug 40 has a forwardly facing abutment or stop surface 41 and a rearwardly and transversely facing camming surface 42 thereon. The bolt retaining lug 40 also has a transverse slot 43 therein for receiving the rearwardly projecting arm 44:: of an ejector member 44. The arm 44a of the ejector member 44 is pivotally connected to the bolt retaining lug 40 by means of a pivot pin 46 to permit limited swinging movement of the ejector member 44 about a substantially vertical axis.

It will be noted that the ejector member 44 projects inwardly of the receiver and forwardly of the retaining lug 40. The inner edge of ejector member 44 defines a curved camming surface 47 and the ejector member also has a slightly pointed ejector surface 47a formed by fortwardly converging edges. The ejector surface 47a passes through the slide 34 and the locking lug and bolt cylinder to engage the spent round and eject the same outwardly of the receiver during retraction of the bolt. It is pointed out that the ejector member 44 and its rearwardly extending arm 44a are of substantially fiat construction and the ejector member is movable through the slot 36 when the bolt release and ejector mechanism is actuated to permit removal of the bolt mechanism from the receiver. Inward pivoting movement of the ejector member beyond the position illustrated in FIG. 3 is limited by the cooperative action of the arm 44a and the bolt retaining lug 40. It will be noted as seen in FIG. 6 the rear edge surface portion 48 of the ejector member projects exteriorly through the slot 36 even when the bolt release and ejector mechanism is in the locking position.

Means are provided also for yieldably retaining the bolt release and ejector mechanism in a position wherein the abutment surface 41 of the locking lug 40 is positioned in obstructing relation with respect to the rear surface of the locking lug 33 on the bolt cylinder. This means comprises an elongate leaf spring member 49 which is of the elongate rectangular configuration and which is provided with an aperture at its forwardmost end through which projects an attachment bolt 50 which threadedly engages a threaded recess or tap in the receiver wall. The leaf spring member 49 includes an outer or generally rectangular shaped leaf spring element 51 which has an elongate recess or opening 52 therein and which engages at its rearmost end the outer surface of the bolt release member 39. In order to prevent accidental disengagement of the spring element 51 from the bolt release member 39, an outwardly projecting substantially rectangular shaped positioning element 53 is integrally formed with the bolt release member and projects outwardly therefrom. The rearmost end of the rectangular shaped leaf spring element 51 is positioned around and engages the positioning element 53.

Thus, it will be seen that the leaf spring element 51 urges the bolt release member 39 against the side wall of the receiver but yieldably permits rocking of the body member. To this end it will be seen that the bolt release member has a rearwardly projecting extension which defines corrugated push button actuating element 54 which is spaced slightly outwardly from the adjacent receiver wall. Thus, by pushing inwardly against the push button actuating element 54, the bolt release member can be rocked so that the retaining lug 40 can be moved out of obstructing relation -with respect to the rear abutting surface of the locking lug 33 on the bolt cylinder. It will be noted that the front inner surface of the bolt release member forms a camming surface 55 which permits rocking action of the bolt release member and locking lug upon the forward application of force to the actuating element 54. Thus, the locking lug and bolt release member are normally urged into obstructing relation with respect to the locking lug of the bolt mechanism but which is readily shiftable to permit the bolt to be completely removed from the receiver.

The leaf spring 49 also includes a leaf spring element 56 which extends within the recess or opening 52 of the leaf spring element 51 and which engages the rear edge surface portion 48 of the ejector member 44. It will, therefore, be seen that the leaf spring element 56 serves to yieldably urge the extractor memebr 44 inwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 3.

During operation of the Mauser-action, firing will take place of course, when the bolt is in the position illustrated in full line configuration in FIGS. 1 and 2. After firing the bolt mechanism is then retracted by turning the bolt cylinder through manipulation of the bolt handle 26 and moving the same rearwardly, and during this retraction of the bolt mechanism, the spent round is extracted from the breech or chamber by action of the extractor 27 and the bolt is continued in its rearward movement to the position illustrated in FIG. 3.

During rearward movement of the bolt mechanism, it will be seen that the ejector member 44 is in engaging relation with the bolt cylinder 25. To this end, it will be noted that the camming surface 47 of the ejector flares away from the bolt cylinder and that the front terminal portion of the ejector also is directed inwardly and away from the bolt cylinder so that only a small surface area of the ejector member is actually in contacting relation with the bolt cylinder. When the bolt mechanism reaches its rearmost position as illustrated in FIG. 4, the ejector can move into the slot 34 and will impell the spent casing outwardly of the receiver. The locking lug 33 will engage the bolt retaining lug 40 and prevent further retraction of the bolt mechanism. The bolt mechanism may then be urged forwardly and again rotated to the full line position illustrated in FIG. 2.

However, in the event that it is desirable to remove the bolt mechanism from the receiver during complete or partial disassembly of the firearm for cleaning, maintenance or repair, the bolt is retracted to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 and the push button actuating element 54 is then depressed to the position illustrated in FIG. 5. During inward movement of the actuating element 54, the camming surface 55 allows the bolt release member 39 to rock so that the bolt retaining lug 40 will be moved out of obstructing relation with respect to the locking lug 33 on the bolt cylinder. This rocking movement of the bolt release member is against the bias or force exerted by the leaf spring element 51. It will also be noted that the ejector member 44 will also be moved outwardly of its inner or operative position against the yielding force exerted by the leaf spring element 56. The bolt mechanism may then be removed from the receiver to the position illustrated in FIG. 5.

When it is desirable to reinsert the bolt mechanism to the receiver, it is necessary to first properly orient the bolt mechanism so that the lug 32, lug 33 and extractor 27 be aligned or in registering relation with the correspondingly shaped recesses in the receiver to permit entry of the bolt mechanism into the receiver. As the bolt mechanism is urged forwardly, to the position illustrated in FIG. 6, the curved camming surface 33a on the locking lug 33 will engage the inclined camming surface 42 a single structure.

on the retaining lug 40 permitting the bolt mechanism to slide forwardly while urging the bolt release mechanism outwardly against the bias of the leaf spring 49. The cooperative action of the curved camming surface 47 on the ejector member and its engagement with the bolt cylinder also produces some yieldable movement of the ejector during reinsertion of the bolt mechanism 30.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that a push button type bolt release mechanism has been provided which also uniquely mounts the ejector member in This push button type bolt release mechanism not only serves to very effectively lock the bolt mechanism against accidental release during operation of the firearm but also permits easy removal of the bolt mechanism from the receiver by an operator.

It will also be noted from the preceding paragraphs that very little alteration of the conventional Mausertype rifle construction is necessary to incorporate the novel combination bolt release and ejector mechanism therein.

It will further be noted that through the use of coopcrating camming surfaces on the bolt mechanism and the bolt release and ejector mechanism, both removal and reinsertion of the bolt mechanism is very easily affected.

Thus, it will be seen that not only is the novel push button type bolt release and ejector mechanism of simple and inexpensive construction, but one which functions in a more efficient manner than heretofore known comparable mechanism.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts Without departing from the scope of this invention.

, What is claimed is:

1. In a bolt release mechanism for a firearm, the combination comprising,

a rifle receiver provided with a bolt slide opening therein,

a bolt member reciprocal in said opening and provided with a laterally extending locking lug thereon,

a bolt release member shiftably mounted on said receiver, said release member having a bolt retaining lug thereon in communication with said slide opena first camming surface and a stop surface on said retaining lug, said surfaces extending into the path of said locking lug,

a leaf spring on said receiver and cooperating with said bolt release member to urge said retaining lug into the path of said locking lug,

a second camming surface on said release member for cooperation of said release member with said receiver to move said retaining lug out of the path of said locking lug,

and an ejector member pivotally mounted on said retaining lug for limited pivoting movement relative thereto, and means for yieldably resisting pivoting movement of said ejector member.

2. A bolt release mechanism as defined in claim 1 and a push button actuating element connected to said bolt release member and being operable to facilitate camming of said release member to move said retaining lug out of obstructing relation with respect to said locking lug.

3. The bolt release mechanism as defined in claim 1, wherein said first camming surface is normally positioned within the receiver, and said second camming surface is located exteriorly of the receiver.

4. The bolt release mechanism as defined in claim 1, wherein said first camming and said stop surfaces are arranged in substantially opposed relation with respect to each other.

5. In a bolt release mechanism for a firearm, the combination comprising a rifle receiver provided with a bolt slide opening therein,

a bolt release member shiftably mounted on said receiver, said release member having a bolt retaining lug thereon in communication with said slide openan ejector member pivoted on said retaining lug and communicating with said slide opening,

a spring member on said receiver including a first and second leaf spring, said first leaf spring engaging said ejector member and said second leaf spring engaging said bolt release member, said leaf springs urging said ejector member and the retaining lug on said release member into said slide opening,

a camming surface and a stop surface on said retaining lug,

a bolt member slidable in said slide opening between forward and rearward retracted positions, said bolt member having an ejector slot therein and a locking lug thereon, the latter normally engaging the retaining lug when said bolt is in the rear retracted position,

said retaining lug being shiftable out of obstructing relation With respect to said locking lug to permit retraction of the bolt and locking lug rearwardly beyond said retaining lug for removal from said receiver, said locking lug engaging said camming surface and by-passing said retaining lug against the action of said second leaf spring when said bolt member is reinserted in said slide opening and urged in a forward position, said movement of the bolt in a forward direction causing said ejector member to move against the action of said first spring and out of the path of said bolt member, said ejector member extending into the slot in said bolt member when the latter is in its forwardmost position,

and a camming surface on said bolt release member engaging said receiver to move said release member in a direction so that said retaining lug is moved out of the path of said locking lug.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 431,668 7/1890 Mauser 42-25 X 579,096 3/1897 Laraway 42-25 X 1,335,063 3/ 1920 Lewis 42-25 FOREIGN PATENTS 527,755 4/ 1954 Belgium.

20,889 1907 Great Britain.

BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner, 

1. IN A BOLT RELEASE MECHANISM FOR A FIREARM, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING, A RIFLE RECEIVER PROVIDED WITH A BOLT SLIDE OPENING THEREIN, A BOLT MEMBER RECIPROCAL IN SAID OPENING AND PROVIDED WITH A LATERALLY EXTENDING LOCKING LUG THEREON, A BOLT RELEASE MEMBER SHIFTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID RECEIVER, SAID RELEASE MEMBER HAVING A BOLT RETAINING LUG THEREON IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID SLIDE OPENING, A FIRST CAMMING SURFACE AND A STOP SURFACE ON SAID RETAINING LUG, SAID SURFACES EXTENDING INTO THE PATH OF SAID LOCKING LUG, A LEAF SPRING ON SAID RECEIVER AND COOPERATING WITH SAID BOLT RELEASE MEMBER TO URGE SAID RETAINING LUG INTO THE PATH OF SAID LOCKING LUG, A SECOND CAMMING SURFACE ON SAID RELEASE MEMBER FOR COOPERATION OF SAID RELEASE MEMBER WITH SAID RECEIVER TO MOVE SAID RETAINING LUG OUT OF THE PATH OF SAID LOCKING LUG, AND AN EJECTOR MEMBER PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID RETAINING LUG FOR LIMITED PIVOTING MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO, AND MEANS FOR YIELDABLY RESISTING PIVOTING MOVEMENT OF SAID EJECTOR MEMBER. 